Free Republic

As the clock strikes three, the low notes of the organ rumble softly round the chapel. The last of the winter sunshine catches the greens, golds and deep reds of the stained glass windows, while the half-light of 1,000 candles illuminates the glorious fan-vaulted ceiling. The building is packed, as it is every Christmas Eve — and yet an expectant hush has descended. Only the microphones hanging low above the pews bear witness to the millions across the world who also listen and wait.

People may still be excited about going on their summer holidays, but for Doctor Who, it's Christmas already. Matt Smith was spotted filming scenes for the festive episode in Bristol late last night (Monday) and it seems that he's gone back in time. Wearing a large top hat and an old-fashioned suit, the actor was transported back to the 1890's along with his co-star Jenna-Louise Coleman.

All I can say is....wow. What a song.

A Hoffman Estates man said Sunday that he is recovering from the minor injuries suffered when he was dragged by a car carrying youths who stomped on and broke pieces of the Christmas display that has illuminated his yard for 17 years. "There was about seven or eight boys just absolutely destroying our Christmas decorations," he said. "Just stomping, ripping and breaking them to pieces." OBrill, 46, of the 4000 block of Winston Drive, said he stood in front of one of the two vehicles that the vandals jumped into. "I got in front of the first car, thinking it...

CAMBRIDGE, England - A clergyman has criticized a city's decision to ask an aging punk band to switch on its annual civic display of Christmas lights. The Damned, the Rev. Stephen Leeke said Wednesday, do not really encapsulate the spirit of the season. "I do not think they are the best people to be switching on the Christmas lights," said Leeke, vicar of St. Martin's Church in Cambridge, 50 miles north of London. "I think perhaps it would be more appropriate for them to switch them off. "It just seems to me to be a bit of a culture clash...